Virat Kohli’s links to Premanand Maharaj have received renewed attention after a report emerged that the former India captain was paid ₹5 crore for visiting the spiritual leader's ashram in Vrindavan.
Kohli's spokesperson has categorically rejected the claim. He stated on October 7, 2026, that the claim was false, baseless and factually incorrect. There is also no publicly available payment record, contract or other evidence that Kohli received ₹5 crore for the visit.
What is the ₹5 Crore Allegation?
The controversy erupted over comments made by Dinesh Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, and president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas.
Sharma claimed that ₹5 crore was spent to facilitate Kohli’s first visit to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram. The claim later spread on social media and speculation on the reason behind Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma’s association with the spiritual leader.
However, the claim has not been independently confirmed. There is no publicly available financial documentation that Kohli was paid the claimed amount.
Kohli’s team strongly rejects the claim
Kohli’s spokesperson issued a categorical denial on the matter.
The claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma regarding Kohli were false and baseless. Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj “purely out of his deep faith and reverence,” the statement said.
Kohli’s team also recommended media organisations to verify such claims before reporting or amplifying them.
This makes the distinction between allegation and an established fact more important when reporting the story.
Kohli and Anushka’s connection with Premanand Maharaj
Kohli’s visits to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram are well documented and predate the latest controversy.
Kohli and Anushka Sharma first made headlines when they visited the spiritual leader in Vrindavan in January 2023. The couple have visited the ashram on more than one occasion. For the most part, their visits have been depicted as spiritual and personal rather than commercial.
The couple’s association with Premanand Maharaj has continued through different phases of Kohli’s cricket career, including after his Test retirement.
Virat Kohli's spokesperson denies allegations that the cricketer took money to visit Premanand Maharaj's ashram https://t.co/Az7G4AH5f3
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 7, 2026
Why did the claim go viral?
The ₹5 crore claim was made because of Kohli’s huge public profile and his repeated visits to the spiritual leader.
Social media posts also seemed to suggest that Kohli had responded sarcastically to the accusation. But such posts should not be taken as a true statement from the cricketer.
A fact check by Asianet Newsable noted that the supposed sarcastic response by Kohli was not an official response and originated from unverified social media content.
What Is Confirmed So Far?
The confirmed facts are simple: Kohli and Anushka have visited Premanand Maharaj’s ashram many times, and the ₹5 crore payment claim has been denied by Kohli’s spokesperson.
As of October 7, there is no evidence publicly available that Kohli received ₹5 crore for visiting the ashram. Therefore, the payment allegation should not be reported as fact.
